asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the annual costs of the British Embassies in Paris, Moscow and Washington.

The annual costs to the Department of the British Embassies in Paris, Moscow and Washington are about £1·8 million, £0·6 million and £2·4 million respectively. Certain additional costs in respect of the British defence staff in Washington and specialist staff in all three embassies are borne by their parent Departments. The Property Services Agency pays for the upkeep of owned property, for some rented offices and for some residential accommodation on long-term rental.